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Can you create an MIT App Inventor app without a computer? YES

Several people have asked me if it is possible to create an Android app without using a computer. Yes, it is possible!

All you need do is access appinventor.mit.edu in the web browser on your Android device. App Inventor works the same as it does on a computer.

You’ll need to go in to Android Settings | Security and check the option to allow installation of apps from Unknown Sources.

Then, in the App Inventor web interface, you will use Build | App (save .apk to my computer). The app will be “compiled” (translated into an executable program file for Android known as an “apk” file – short for Android package) and then downloaded to your computer.

The download part will vary depending on what browser you are using as well as what version of Android you have. You might find the download icon (a down arrow) in the notification bar. Swype down from the top and then select the downloaded file, open it and select Install to install your app. Once installed, you can run the app directly – or the app will appear in the list of apps installed on your device and you can run it directly from the app list. The exact way this all happens will vary depending on your system and browser.

The following video tutorial shows I how I did this on Android using the Opera browser. Note that I used a Bluetooth keyboard and a Bluetooth mouse – so the screen looks like I am using a computer because I am not touching anything!